Foreword This is not a large volume. It cannot be because it is concerned with a relatively short period of combat by a relatively small unit in the Italian campaign. It is, however, an important record because to the men of the 473rd Infantry Regiment who took part in the battles recorded here, this volume tells the story of the most memorable and most terrible period in their individual lives. The many technical difficulties involved in publishing this document in Italy and the fact that publication was rushed because of overall military contingencies, may have resulted in errors of various descriptions. This is a regrettable but unavoidable fact. To preserve the continuity of the story and furnish minute detail of certain actions, it was necessary to refer to specific individuals and acts of heroism. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that these individuals and acts were mentioned only as a story-telling expedient. It would be impossible in a small book to describe all of the meritorious acts or mention all of the outstanding soldiers in the regiment. Without the assistance of experienced professional printers on the staff of the Rome Stars and Stripes, this publication could never have existed. They furnished the cover material and paper. They arranged for a printer. They set type and made illustrations. They gave unselfishly of their time and valuable advice. In all, their cooperation was another of many demonstrations of service to the AEF by a fine overseas newspaper. The mailing list for the distribution of this book was a lengthy one. Names and addresses were taken from official records. Some of the records were incomplete at the time. The typing was done by Italians and accuracy was made impossible by language difficulties. It is believed, in spite of the above, that most former members of the Regiment will find a copy at home upon their arrival. Additional copies cannot be provided. ANY FORMER 473RD SOLDIER WHO DIDN'T GET A COPY SHOULD WRITE BOX 303, DUNELLEN, NEW JERSEY. INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS AND AS LONG AS THEY LAST, ONE WILL BE SENT TO YOU WITHIN A SHORT TIME. —The EDITORS Digitized by Google.

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Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002

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